Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike is set to make his long-awaited season debut against the Dallas Cowboys at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This appearance marks his first NFL game in more than a year following a serious neck injury.
Madubuike fully participated in practice on Friday in Botafogo, Brazil, and received no injury designation on the final game report. The two-time Pro Bowl selection was sidelined after reporting neck issues following a September 2025 game against the Cleveland Browns, which eventually led to surgery in April.
Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver expressed high expectations for the returning star, emphasizing his value to the defensive front. Madubuike led all defensive linemen with 13 sacks during the 2023 season and is expected to boost the team’s interior pass rush.
“I think we all know the impact that kid has,” Weaver said ahead of the matchup. “He is a three-down menace. He is impactful in the run game; he harasses quarterbacks and offensive linemen with his power and his finesse.”
Alongside Madubuike, linebacker Teddye Buchanan is also prepared to play without any injury designation after recovering from a knee injury sustained in December.
However, the Ravens will be missing a key piece on the offensive line. Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley was ruled out due to a toe injury. His absence positions second-year offensive tackle Carson Vinson to make his first career start against Dallas.
